When it comes to skin rejuvenation, few treatments are as popular as chemical peels. A chemical peel allows patients to remove the upper layers of their skin, revealing a fresh, healthy-looking complexion. An incredibly cost-effective and convenient treatment, chemical peels are a staple of any non-invasive cosmetic treatment routine.
The science behind chemical peels
Using a specially-formulated chemical solution to sluff off the outer layers of the skin, chemical peels can drastically improve a patient’s skin tone and texture. Each customized skin formula contains carefully measured levels of various acids and vitamins that can be applied to the skin to cause exfoliation. Patients walk away with radiant skin that looks smoother than ever.
An incredibly customizable treatment, the chemical formulations come in various levels of intensity, allowing cosmetic practitioners to treat a multitude of skin issues.
Skin conditions that can be treated with chemical peels
Acne
Lighter chemical peels, such as glycolic and salicylic acids, are considered to be a highly effective treatment for acne sufferers. This is due to the fact that these chemicals only penetrate the top layers of the skin. Beyond that, they come with the added benefit of anti-inflammatory effects that reduce oil secretion and clogged pores.
Stronger formulas, such as a medium or deep peel, can also be of great help to these patients in reducing acne scars. They can reach the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen production and cell turnover.
Scarring
Patients who are struggling with any type of scar can certainly find relief with a chemical peel. When approaching treatment for scars, the practitioner must perform a careful assessment of the area, including the depth and diameter of the scar, to determine what formulation is most suitable for treatment.
The peel removes the skin all the way down to the layer of the scar, leaving the patient with a smoother skin surface and less noticeable skin indentations.
Crow’s feet
One of the first signs of aging, crow’s feet, is a displeasing feature that most patients would like to do without. Over time, these lines develop around the eyes, distorting the youthful skin around them and making the patient look older than they actually are.
Chemical peels are an effective treatment for crow’s feet and other fine lines that develop in the skin. Younger, more radiant layers of skin are revealed as the outer layers are removed. The peel also stimulates collagen production and cell proliferation, helping to keep the skin looking young in the future.
Sun damage
Everybody wants to be tan, and some of us go to great lengths to get there. Unfortunately, spending copious amounts of time in the sun can result in sun damage to the skin. Thankfully, chemical peels can reduce these effects, leaving the patient with a remarkably even skin tone.
Hyperpigmentations and discolorations
Patients who have subtle skin discolorations are perfect candidates for a chemical peel. Whether the patient is dealing with unwanted age spots or an excess amount of freckles from childhood, a chemical peel can help improve the situation.
Chemical peels are also considered to be a great treatment for melasma, the patchy brown spots that develop on our faces over time. Virtually all pigmentation abnormalities can be addressed by chemical peels, as they primarily target the outer layers of the skin, which most often contain unwanted pigment.
What is the takeaway?
Essentially all patients who are dealing with skin issues stand to benefit from a chemical peel treatment. While they have grown in popularity in recent years, chemical peels can be traced back to the middle ages, making them one of the oldest methods of rejuvenation. Whether acne scars, early signs of aging, or any other skin condition is troubling you, you can rest assured that the tried and true effects of chemical peels will improve the situation.
As with any cosmetic protocol, it is highly recommended that patients refer to a reputable practitioner to carry out their chemical peel.